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No more poor by 2013

THE budget for Penang tabled at the recent state assembly sitting aims to wipe out poverty. Called the Pakatan Rakyats Agenda Ekonomi Saksama (AES) or Equitable Economic Agenda, it is a bold step taken by the PR state leaders. The state assembly, which adjourned on Nov 8, approved a budget of RM1.133 billion for 2013. Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said: The AES will ensure that all households have a minimum monthly income of RM770. Penang became the first state in Malaysia to wipe out hardcore poverty (households with monthly income of less than RM400) in 2009 and had intended to wipe out poverty by 2015. Poverty is defined by the Federal government as households receiving income of less than RM720 per month. However this RM720 poverty line is too low and outdated. This is why the Penang state government has chosen the latest survey done by a local university of RM 763 monthly income as the poverty line indicator in Peninsular Malaysia. Lim explained: To wipe out poverty, all families must receive a minimum monthly income above RM763. For this reason, the Penang state gov government has fixed RM770 as the minmin imum monthly in income for all fami families in Penang. Penangs targeted zero poverty by 2015 has been brought forward by two years to 2013 due to the good financial performance of the state administration in 2011. The 2011 Auditor-Generals Report had confirmed that Penang had reduced debts by 95 per cent and recorded the highest budget surplus ever in Penangs history of RM138 million, a 312 per cent increase from 2010s budget surplus of RM33 million. Penang had managed to record a budget surplus every year
Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng together with his deputies, DCM1 Datuk Mansor Othman and DCM2 Prof. Dr. P. Ramasamy lighting the oil lamp at the Penang state Deepavali open house at the Esplanade on Nov 11 while their wives look on.

since 2008 despite projecting a budget deficit every year due to CAT governance of competency, accountability and transparency. CAT governance focuses on cutting down cost and maximising revenues without sacrificing quality through open competitive tenders, compliance with rule of law, choosing the competent or right person for the right job as well as adopting rigorous auditing and internal control mechanisms, Lim told a large crowd at the Penang Deepavali Open House at the Esplanade on Nov 11.

As a result of CAT governance, the Penang state government is able to achieve our target of wiping out poverty by ensuring a minimum monthly household income of RM 770. In other words, any families receiving less than RM770 per month after all other forms of aid, will be topped-up by the Penang state government to RM770 per month. In other words if a family receives only RM500 after all financial assistance, this family will receive an extra RM270 monthly to top up to RM770 per month.

This exercise, to begin by Jan 1, will see the end of poverty in Penang by the end of 2013. At least RM20 million has been allocated for this historic poverty eradication initiative. During the Penang state assembly sitting, Lim had urged all the Barisan Nasional assemblymembers to help the state government by providing information on poor families in their respective constituencies to exco member Phee Boon Poh who co-ordinates the programme to eradicate poverty.

Friends and foes

Story and pix by Chan Lilian

DESPITE being on opposite sides of the political divide, both Datuk Arif Shah Omar Shah and Penang state exco member Chow Kon Yeow projected a picture of old friends when Chow presented Arif Shah with a copy of his book Reflections on 308 Political Tsunami. While Chow is in the Pakatan Rakyat State Government, Arif Shah is in the opposition as the Barisan Nasional assemblymember for Seberang Jaya. However, the white-haired and jovial Arif Shah, who speaks fluent Hokkien and Mandarin, had been in the Penang state assembly together with Chow for many years now. Though they may have argued and debated in their positions as opposing assemblymembers, Chow has featured an interview with Arif Shah in his recently published book. Previously, Chow was in the opposition as a DAP assemblymember while Arif Shah was on the ruling side. It was a reversal of roles for them after the March 2008 political tsunami which brought the DAP into

The man who keeps order in the house

government as a member of the Pakatan Rakyat. Chow, who was first elected as an assemblymember in 1990, recently wrote a poignant piece on how his late mother, Chong Sam Mooi, 87, had influenced his political career. He wrote: Many siblings told me I was mothers favorite child. She had not been to school but she taught all the children good values to face lifes challenges. Most of us are imbued with noble Chinese virtues of filial piety, honesty, modesty, sincerity and trustworthiness. All of us became A beaming Chow presenting his book to Arif Shah, featuring good citizens of the country, I the latter in one of the pages. suppose. Mother must have had the shock of her life when I joined the opposiFor veteran politicians like Chow and Arif Shah, they tion party. However, she decided to let me seek a career in know that though they may be foes in the political arena, politics. Most of my siblings followed my fathers footsteps ultimately the basic human virtues, like how Chow menand ended up in the mechanical fields. She rejoiced with me tioned, were imbued since childhood and play a more when I was first elected assemblyman in 1990 and shared prominent role in their characters. my sorrows when I did not manage to get re-elected in 1995. Political foes can be friends too.

Halim with his wife, Wan Zuraida and son, Muhammad Ammar, 15 at the Penang state assembly dining room.

Story by Chan Lilian, Pix by Alissala Thian

DATIN Wan Zuraida Amiruddin and her son, Muhammad Ammar Abdul Halim, 15, were at the state assembly dining hall having laksa and Malay kuih during tea break. State assembly speaker Datuk Abdul Halim Hussain was taking a break after a whole day of the legislature proceedings. The state assembly convenend from Nov 1 to 9. He told Buletin Mutiara: You know, this is the first time my wife

is visiting the state assembly although I have been here for the past four and a half years. Wan Zuraida is youthful-looking, usually simple but elegantly dressed for her role as the state assembly speaker's wife and full of poise when accompanying wives of other dignitaries. Buletin Mutiara asked: The speaker has a very taxing schedule these few days. We can see how the assemblymembers slug it out, often shouting and hurling loud and harsh comments against each other while he has to keep the

Halim with Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng, DCM I Datuk Mansor Othman, exco members and assemblymembers cutting a cake to mark the end of the assembly sitting and in appreciation of the exco members and all assemblymembers for the period 2008-2012.

house in order. As his wife, how do you find his role? Wan Zuraida said: I am very amazed to see him sitting there so quietly, so calm. I decided to come to the Dewan today because I read about the 'heat' going on and curious to see for myself how things are in the Dewan. Abdul Halim and Wan Zuraida

have five children aged 18, 15, 14, 13 and 11. Wan Zuraida shared that as a family, Abdul Halim and his children read a lot and Abdul Halim loves to share with his children what he has read and they love watching movies together. Due to his busy schedules, Abdul Halim tries to bring his children along for those events

suitable for families so that he can spend quality time with his children. Buletin Mutiara jokingly asked, Is the speaker as calm and quiet at home if the children are as loud as the politicians in the Dewan? Wan Zuraida broke into a laugh and said, Oh no....

AES cameras take centre-stage

Story by Chan Lilian

Assembly starts with suspension

THE installation of the AES 1Malaysia cameras continues to be an issue for debate at the Penang state assembly. On Nov 9, Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng threw a challenge to the UMNO state assemblymembers and asked if they supported the installation of the 1Malaysia cameras in Penang. He said: Lets support the call for no AES cameras. Some of your UMNO counterparts had voiced their concerns in the media. What about you? The assemblymember for Sungai Dua, Datuk Jasmin Mohamed, asked: I am surprised why you are bringing up this issue in the Penang state assembly when you should bring this up in Parliament. Lim replied: I have stated my stand in Parliament. However, the Penang state government also has the power to decide on the installation of the AES 1Malaysia cameras in the state.

Lim then asked the assemblymembers for Seberang Jaya and Telok Bahang to state their stand. Teluk Bahang assemblymember Datuk Seri Hilmi Yahya then asked Lim what the state suggested to reduce accidents. Lim said: There is already a system in place to reduce accidents. We welcome methods to reduce accidents and we can ask the traffic police for their suggestions too. The main issue here is crony companies profiting from the rakyats hardship by making money from every summons issued. Datuk Arif Shah Omar Shah, assemblymember for Seberang Jaya, then pointed out to Lim that a media report had said that MCA president Datuk Seri Chua Soi Lek had called for a grace period of three to six months for motorists to learn about the AES. Lim rebutted: This confirms what I had suspected. UMNO and MCA know

State assembly proceedings taken from the telecast on television showing Hilmi talking to Lim (back facing camera). Photography is prohibited in the assembly.

that this AES 1Malaysia camera issue had caused anger amongst Malaysians. Now, they dare not proceed and want a grace period so that when the general

election is over, they will instal the cameras. Barisan Nasional is buying time. It is all BNs method of deceiving the rakyat!

Lim (centre) and exco members leaving the state assembly after budget proceedings ended.

State opposition leader, Datuk Azhar Ibrahim from UMNO, Barisan Nasional in the state assembly before his suspension.

Story by Chan Lilian

WHEN the Penang state assembly convened on Nov 1, Barisan Nasional assemblymember for Penaga, Datuk Azhar Ibrahim, was suspended for six months. He is also State Opposition Leader. Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng tabled the motion for suspension. During the last state assembly

sitting in May 8, Azhar had made a statement that the assembly verbatim record could be manipulated. The Rights and Privileges Committee felt that this tarnished the august house, the dignity of the assembly, the state legislative speaker Datuk Abdul Halim Hussain and staff of the state legislative. Azhar had been suspended

once in May 2012 due to his reference to May 13 (1969 racial riot). On another occasion, he had created a stir when Pantai Jerjak state assemblymember Sim Tze Tzin pointed out Azhar had shown his posterior to him in the state assembly. Although video recordings had proven the case, Azhar still insisted that he was merely bending down to take his bag.

Reporters waiting for the Penang state assemblymembers to appear after the conclusion of the days sitting.

TNB explains power cut

Story by Chan Lilian

ASSEMBLYMEMBER for Air Itam Wong Hon Wai was busy on the grounds when the electricity supply to Air Itam and Farlim area was disrupted on several occasions. The last disruption was on Oct 12 and supply was restored only after five hours. Up to October 2012, there had been four such disruptions. Upset with the inconveniences and difficulties faced by the residents in the area, the Penang state government invited TNB general manager (Penang State) Mohandass S Nair to meet them and the media on Oct 15. Mohandass and his team explained: We empathise with the users because we are also users and understand the inconveniences caused. We will always be there with the customers because we are also part of the customers. Mohandass said: Tenaga Na-

sional Berhad (TNB) is going to spend RM78.3 millions for upgrading and improvement projects in Penang. TNB has spent RM145.2 millions since 2010. Our major challenge has been the repeated breakdown at Paya Terubong, Farlim and Air Itam areas. We are carrying out cable replacement work, new cable injection and replacement of switchgears. A new Pencawang Pembahagian Utama is being built and we hope to commission it by next August. This will assist TNB to strenghten the 11kV system in Air Itam and surrounding areas. The system average interruption duration index (SAIDI) provided by TNB showed that the SAIDI has reduced from 115.65 minutes in a year in 2009/10 to 71 in year 2010/12. TNB set a target of SAIDI 50 (mins) in year 2015. For TNB breakdowns, consumers can call the TNB Careline at 15454 Wong (right) and others meeting with a TNB engineer from Kuala Lumpur on the progress of the new 33kV substation that is being built at Thean Teik Road to cater for or toll free 1-300-88-5454. the growing demand as development expands in the Farlim area.

RM500,000 grant for gallerys acquisition fund

World-class golf club

FORMER Indian prime minister Jawarhalal Nehru once said: Art galleries and museums in a great city are like windows which look out on the broader, richer and deeper things of life. George Town recognises this and through the Penang State Art Gallery (PSAG) held the Permanent Collection at three premises simultaneously, showcasing all 578 artworks in its collection obtained over the last 47 years. PSAG also produced a handsome publication which allows all art lovers to take their Fund to enable the PSAG to acquire some artworks time studying the artworks in the PSAG Permanent which are conspicuous by their absence in the current Collection. collection. On Oct 20, Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng conLim also called on private individuals to seriously gratulated and thanked Datuk Dr Tan Chee Khuan consider donating or presenting part of their collecfor his monumental effort in curating the exhibition tions to the PSAG which, in turn, will ensure that they and producing the 300-page hardcover book. receive the appreciation and care they deserve. They He said: Both the exhibition and the publication will be admired both in exhibitions as well as in PSAG mark a significant milestone for the PSAG in its quest publications. to make its Permanent Collection one of the finest in To demonstrate the Penang State governments Asia. sincere support, Lim said: The Penang State governHe added that to achieve this goal, a sense of ment will provide a grant of RM500,000 to the PSAG ownership needs to be nurtured among all art lovers Acquisition Fund over the next three years. and Penangites. We have to be thinking. This is OUR Penang State Art Gallery, This is OUR Per- Penang State Museum & Art Gallery manent Collection, instead of expecting the government to be responsible for achieving No.57,Jalan Macalister it. If collectors of art, our corporate frater- 10400,Georgetown, Penang nity as well as artists all chip in, I believe that Tel : 04-226 1462/1461 Fax : 04-226 1439 making the Permanent Collection into a e-mail : muzium@po.jaring.my website: www.penangmuseum.gov.my really impressive one is achievable. He appealed to the corporate sector to contribute generously to the Acquisition

Sakamoto, chairman and owner of Taiyo Resort (Pg) Bhd taking Lim on a tour of the golf course

Story by Chan Lilian Pix by Alissala Tian

ONE hundred new golf buggies, a new air-conditioned half-way house, a new Chinese-Japanese restaurant and an overall upgrading and refurbishment have turned the former BJCC Golf Club into the international Penang Golf Club (PGC). Completed 14 months ahead of schedule, this is the only golf club on the Penang island.

According to Datuk Eiro Sakamoto, chairman and owner of Taiyo Resort (Pg) Bhd, PGC is also one of the 12 golf clubs in the country which is open to the public and for international visitors. Sakamoto told Buletin Mutiara: We spent RM11 million on the rebranding and renovation exercise and RM2.5 million to buy new buggies. Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng, exco member Datuk Abdul Malik Kassim, assemblymembers Ong

Buck up, Lim tells PR reps

Story and pix by Chan Lilian

IN a very frank and honest press conference, Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng reminded some of the first term Pakatan Rakyat assemblymembers to go down to the ground, meet the people in their constituencies, go from h o u s e - t o - h o u s e , d o o r- t o door more regularly and attend to phone calls. Let us be realistic and frank. They need to do that, Lim said during a press conference on Oct 28 after a Chinese media report that the rakyat have voiced their grouses that some of their phone calls were not attended to. Lim mentioned three areas where these first term assemblymembers must focus

in Penang

Chin Wen and A. Tanasekaran were at the opening of PGC on Oct 27. In his speech, Lim said: Two years ago, Datuk Sakamoto was selected by open competitive tender to transform BJCC into a world-class golf club. When we chose Datuk Sakamoto, we were criticised for awarding the tender to a Japanese. But we were impressed by his RM80 million proposal for 20 years. I am pleased to see the results today and it is indeed a true testament that Datuk and his team are committed and will continue to press on with the transformation plans to move PGC forward. In a press conference after the event, Lim said: The fact that Taiyo relocated from Kajang to Penang shows their confidence in Penang. This is something new that we have seen in the last four to five years. Not only locals are coming to Penang, even the foreigners are coming to Penang. To mark the event, PGC also organised the 2nd Penang Chief Minister Golf Tournament where 200 golfers took part.

on. One is to set up their election machinery. They must be prepared. Although we lose out in terms of the amount of money Barisan Nasional has and their preparedness, these first-term PR assemblymembers must do their best to match BN. The second thing to focus on is the people. We must get closer to the people. A reporter had written that people get a toot toot toot response when they call up their assemblymember to lodge complaints because phone calls were not answered. We do not want that. We must take such reports positively and constructively, he said. Thirdly, assemblymembers must also not forget that they are government elected representatives. As representatives, they must personally supervise and make sure that government projects are completed successfully and explain to people the policies of the state government, Lim concluded. In an immediate response, Penang DAP chairman Chow Kon Yeow, who is also an exco member, urged all DAP state assemblymembers to shape up.

Lau Keng Ee (second from left), assemblymember for Pengkalan Kota, making a visit to the Tan and Chew clan jetties with government officers.

Assemblymember for Seri Delima RSN Rayer goes from house to house to meet the people.

Yeoh Soon Hin who is the assemblymember for Paya Terubong visiting an elderly man to deliver some assistance.

He said: The Penang DAP views with concern the admission by Penang Chief Minister and Pakatan Rakyat chairman Lim Guan Eng that there are assemblymembers not performing well in their duties with the general election looming. The party is monitoring the performances of our representatives. Chow reminded the DAP state assemblymembers that the party would not hesitate to recommend that representatives unable to live up to mark be replaced. Penangites who have voted for a change and given the mandate to the respective assemblymembers from Pakatan Rakyat can rest assured that the PR state leaders do not mince their words and are constantly on their toes to make sure that as a PR team, they deliver what the people want. There are various avenues for people to voice their complaints. They can call up the numbers of their assemblymembers and even the Chief Minister is just an email away. For general complaints related to council matters, both the Penang Island Municipal Council (MPPP) and Seberang Perai Municipal Council (MPSP) have improved their clients relation service and every complaint is looked into without delay.

Meeting of city changers

Story and pix by Chan Lilian

THE World Architecture Day 2012 seminar, with the theme Architects are city changers, was held on Oct 13. And for the first time, the Pertubuhan Akitek Malaysia (PAM) celebrated the national event outside Kuala Lumpur. I proposed to PAM council to celebrate this occasion in George Town. Many people from the younger generation do not realise that George Town is

the first urban area in Malaysia to be accorded city status, PAM president Saifuddin Ahmad said in his speech. George Town was accorded city status during the colonial era by Queen Elizabeth II on Jan 1, 1957, even before the nation achieved Merdeka. Saifuddin added: However, due to the Federal Government redefining the parameters of what a city should be, George Town lost its status as city under the new ruling. But, the fact one cannot change is that George Town is the first urban area

to be accorded that status. On that note, PAM council agreed to celebrate this occasion here. Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng, who was guest-of-honour at the opening, congratulated PAM for organising the event. In his speech, Lim said: By now, more than 50 per cent of the worlds inhabitants live in cities. By 2050, these city dwellers will make up 70 per cent of the worlds population. Cities must portray drastic changes

in order to accommodate citizens of this century and offer them living conditions for better personal development and wellbeing. He added that change is a necessary part of life. In fact, change is the only constant in life. If we work together, we can manage change and achieve better cities for all. World Architecture Day is the ideal platform for architects to demonstrate the role they can play in developing our cities for the future.

New hawker complex at Penang GH

Saifuddin explains why Penang was chosen for the national celebration.

200 residents protest over road closure

Story by Danny Ooi

SOME 200 residents staged a peaceful demonstration in front of their housing estate on Nov 10 over a road closure in their area. We are very dissapointed with the decision for the road closure which brings about hardship to residents, said Tan Swee Kim, 46, a resident of Taman Melati Jaya, Bayan Baru. Tan is a trader in the Bayan Baru Some of the Taman Melati Jaya residents staging a peaceful protest over the closing of a road leading to their market complex for 26 years. housing estate. The residents of Taman Melati Jaya are upset with the developer of a nearby project for closing the road leading to their it is the quickest way back to their homes. houses and disturbing the traffic flow in the area. Echoing Tan's sentiment was June Lim, 20, a She said almost all the residents who lived in student pursuing a make-up course in the Bayan the housing estate for more than 30 years were Baru area. unhappy with the road closure. The developer should look into giving us a Before this, residents here need only about more convenient route. The present route to our three minutes to reach their houses from the houses is very dangerous, she said. nearby Bayan Baru township, compared to more Another resident, Erin Goh, 37, who works as than 15 minutes now using the route from the a sales administration officer in a nearby factory, Bayan Baru and Bukit Jambul roundabout , she said: It is a nightmare to go out from our house said. and to come back. The situation worsens especially during peak Meanwhile, a Bayan Baru Residents' Associahours. tion representative, who only wanted to be known Tan said due to being given no alternative, as Ahmad, hoped the developer and the authorities residents of Taman Melati Jaya have to make a would look into the plight of the Taman Melati Jaya U-turn at a prohibited and dangerous route, since residents as soon as possible.

A young patient, who was taking a walk with his father around the hospital grounds, greets Lim while Jagdeep looks on.

Story and pix by Chan Lilian

THE rather chaotic and makeshift food stalls along Western Road behind the Penang General Hospital will soon be a thing of the past as the Penang Island Municipal Council (MPPP) has taken steps to build a comfortable, hygienic and more orderly hawker complex. Although these stalls have been erected in a haphazard manner, they are necessities due to the high numbers of visitors to the hospital and also to serve the people living in that area. In her speech at the ground-breaking ceremony on Oct 18, MPPP chief Datuk Patahiyah Ismail said: The upgrading works will be carried out according to the requests and needs of the traders. The design will be suitable for their daily activities. We are doing this in line with Penangs CAT administration which listens to the rakyat and places importance on their needs. The project will involve building a hawker complex in two zones and providing stalls for 50 traders. It will cost MPPP about RM600,000 for the two zones and the project is expected to be completed by next April. Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng and assemblymember for Datuk Keramat Jagdeep Singh Deo, who were also present at the event, received a warm welcome from the traders who are excited that they will be getting a more comfortable place to do business.

FMM Penang marks 43 years

Story by Danny Ooi

CHIEF Minister Lim Guan Eng has outlined seven critical success factors for Penang to remain the preferred choice for investments Speaking at the Federation Of Malaysian Manufacturers (FMM) Penang branch 43rd anniversary dinner on Oct. 10, Lim said these included ready availability of human talent, an effective and efficient supply chain management, competent and reliable logistics and communication hub, strong intellectual property protection, good governance and effective leadership, building creativity and innovation VIP guests making their entrance in James Bond 007 style. in science and technology, and a livable city. dressed as James Bond. He added that creating a conducive environment Also present at the event were FMM president Tan for investments in physical and human capital in Sri Yong Poh Kon, FMM Penang branch chairman Penang is the responsibility of all concerned. Khoo Cheok Sin and FMM Penang vice-chairman Our challenge today is to maintain Penangs Dr Ooi Eng Hock. competitive edge by converting into a knowledgeOver the years, FMM Penang has played a major based and innovation-driven economy. The Penang role in the socio-economic development in the State. government is taking steps to improve both the Its influence, contribution and impact on industrial quantity and quality of higher education and boost- development is invariably embedded in the ecoing technological readiness, particularly information nomic history of Penang, Khoo said. and communications technology penetration, he Yong said FMM was encouraged by the various said. initiatives undertaken by the State Government to The function themed Never Say Never had a promote Penang as an international hub not just for grand opening with FMM top brass coming on stage electronics but also for other manufacturing activi-

ties. He said the launch of Penang SME Centre on Sept. 13 at a cost of RM40 million was a timely move. As we are aware, about 60 per cent of FMM members are SMEs who need support to grow into medium-scale and eventually large companies that are global suppliers and owners of brand names. A facilitative and conducive business environment is important to the manufacturing and business community and certainly potential investors. The Malaysian Investment Development Authoritys annual reports place Penang as a leading state in attracting investments valued at RM12.2 billion in 2010 and RM9.1 billion in 2011, he added. Yong said the findings of the FMM quarterly survey have indicated consistently that the decision to invest is also largely influenced by factors such as transparent and consistent policies and procedures, speedy approvals and implementation and zero tolerance for corruption. The Chief Minister called upon FMM to play an even greater part in complementing the governments efforts in developing, motivating and retaining the skilled human resources critically required by the high-tech and high income economy of Penang for now and in the future.

PENANGITES were treated to a galore of Japanese films during the recently concluded Japanese Film Festival 2012 at Gurney Plazas Golden Screen Cinemas. The screening of the 12 films started off with an interesting film, I Wish or Kesiki (meaning miracle in Japanese), which portrayed two young brothers who are separated after their parents divorced and how the elder sibling tries to reunite the family. This movie showed the innocence of young children, which was beautifully acted by the films young actors. I Wish was was also screened to guests at the opening ceremony of the festival on Sept 20, officiated by Exco for Tourism Development and Culture, Arts and Heritage, Danny Law Heng Kiang. Among those present at the ceremony was the consul-general of Japan

Penangites treated to a galore of Japanese films

Hiroko Taniguchi. Hiroko said some of the films selected for the festival were international award-winning productions. The festival this year also marks the 30th anniversary of the Look East Policy, a policy that has continued to boost economic growth and strengthen ties between Japan and Malaysia through cultural exchanges, she added. Other films featured in the festival were A Good Husband, AlwaysSunset On Third Street, Hayabusa, Key Of Life, Ninja Kids!!!, Permanent Nobara, Rebirth, Someday, The Last Ronin, Wonder Child and Death Of A Japanese Salesman. The film Festival was organised by the Japan Foundation Kuala Lumpur together with GSC and sponsored by Law (second from left) having a photo shoot with guests during the launch of Mitsubishi Corporation. the Japanese Film Festival 2012.

8
Nama ADUN AIR PUTIH YAB Tuan Lim Guan Eng limguaneng@penang.gov.my PENANTI YB Dato Mansor Othman mansor@penang.gov.my PERAI YB Prof. Dr. P. Ramasamy a/l Palanisamy ramasamy@penang.gov.my PADANG KOTA YB Chow Kon Yeow chowkonyeow@penang.gov.my BATU MAUNG YB Dato Abdul Malik Abul Kassim abdmalik@penang.gov.my BAGAN JERMAL YB Lim Hock Seng limhockseng@penang.gov.my BATU LANCHANG YB Law Heng Kiang lawhengkiang@penang.gov.my SUNGAI PUYU YB Phee Boon Poh pheeboonpoh@penang.gov.my; pheeboonpoh@yahoo.com BUKIT TAMBUN YB Law Choo Kiang lawchookiang@penang.gov.my AIR ITAM YB Wong Hon Wai wonghonwai@penang.gov.my BERAPIT YB Ong Kok Fooi ongkokfooi@penang.gov.my DATO KERAMAT YB Jagdeep Singh DEO jagdeepsinghdeo@penang.gov.my PANTAI JEREJAK YB Sim Tze Tzin simtzetzin@penang.gov.my MACHANG BUBOK YB Dato Tan Hock Leong hltan@penang.gov.my TANJONG BUNGAH YB Teh Yee Cheu dappenang.cagw.teh@gmail.com JAWI YB Tan Beng Huat tanbenghuat2000@yahoo.com PENGKALAN KOTA YB Keng Ee dappengkalankota@gmail.com BAGAN DALAM YB Tanaseharan a/l Autheraphy atana@first.net.my KEBUN BUNGA YB Ong Khan Lee jason_okl@yahoo.com SUNGAI BAKAP YB Hj. Maktar Hj. Shapee adunan.dunsgbakap@yahoo.com KOMTAR YB Ng Wei Aik ngweiaik@penang.gov.my; nweiaik@ gmail.com PADANG LALANG YB Tan Cheong Heng michael@dappenang.com.my PAYA TERUBONG YB Yeoh Soo Hin clementyeoh@hotmail.com PULAU TIKUS YB Koay Teng Hai koaytenghai@gmail.com PERMATANG PASIR YB Dato Hj. Salleh Man adunptgpasir@gmail.com BUKIT TENGAH YB Ong Chin Wen pkrbkttengah@gmail.com SUNGAI PINANG YB Koid Teng Guan tgkoid@gmail.com BATU UBAN YB Raveentharan a/l Subramaniam dunbatuuban@gmail.com raveenkeadilan@gmail.com SERI DELIMA YB Sanisvara Nethaji Rayer a/l Rajaji rsnrayer@gmail.com DAP PENANG HQ dappg@streamyx.com No Tel/ No Faks (T) 04 - 829 0614 (T) 04 - 522 1463 (F) 04 - 522 1463 (T) 04 - 650 5134 (F) 04 - 261 8715 (T) 04 - 226 0218 (F) 04 - 228 8514 (T) 04 - 626 1968 (F) 04 - 626 5496 (T) 04 - 331 7175 (F) 04 - 331 7175 (T) 04 - 282 6419 (F) 04 - 282 6419 (T) 04 - 262 0860 012 - 480 5495 (F) 04 - 261 8745 (T) 04 - 588 0818 (F) 04 - 588 0885 (T) 04 - 828 0926 (F) 04 - 828 0926 (T) 04 - 530 8476 (T) 04 - 226 2464 (F) 04 - 227 2464 (T) 019 - 443 2088 (F) 04 - 641 3088 (T) 04 - 552 1366 (F) 04 - 552 1366 (T) 017 - 472 9990 (F) 04 - 228 8514 (T)04 - 598 1877 (F)04 - 598 1877 (T)04 - 250 1521 04 - 2501522 (F)04 - 2501523 (T) 04 - 538 1162 (F) 04 - 537 1163 (T) 04 - 818 2008 (F) 04 - 818 2008 (T) 04 - 582 7549 (F) 04 - 582 8648 (T) 04 - 227 0215 (F) 04 - 227 8215 (T) 04 - 502 5071 (F)04 - 508 9711 (T) 04 - 229 2105 (F) 04 - 226 2550 (T) 04 - 226 3227 (F) 04 - 226 3227 (T) 04 - 398 4226 (F) 04 - 398 4226 (T) 04 - 508 3977 (F) 04 - 508 3677 (T)010 - 464 3308 (F) 04 - 282 8322 (T) 04 - 659 6007 (F) 04 - 658 6007 04 - 2628188 (T) 04 - 659 5611 (F) 04 - 659 5611 (T) 04 - 228 8482 04 - 227 1397 04 - 226 6482 (F) 04 - 228 8514 NAMA ADUN PENAGA YB Dato Haji Azhar Ibrahim BERTAM YB Hajah Zabariah Wahab PINANG TUNGGAL YB Dato Haji Roslan Saidin PERMATANG BERANGAN YB Haji Shabudin Yahya SUNGAI DUA YB Dato Haji Jasmin Mohamed TELOK AIR TAWAR YB Dato Hjh. Jahara Hamid jahara.hamid@gmail.com SEBERANG JAYA YB Datuk Arif Shah Haji Omar Shah arif@arifshah.com SUNGAI ACHEH YB Dato Mahmud Zakaria datomahmud@umpangroup.com.my BAYAN LEPAS YB Syed Amerruddin Dato Syed Ahmad PULAU BETONG YB Sr. Haji Muhamad Farid Saad TELUK BAHANG YB Dato Seri Dr. Haji Hilmi Hj Yahya (T) 04 - 866 1760 (F) 04 - 866 1821 (T) 04 - 573 4630 (F) 04 -570 1997 (T) 04 - 575 7454 (T) 04 - 351 3675 (F) 04 - 351 4389 (T) 04 - 398 0185 No Tel/ No Faks (T) 04 - 310 3100 (F) 04 - 323 8017 (T) 04 - 575 8670 PEGAWAI PENYELARAS KADUN PENAGA Hj Rosidi Bin Hussain albertami@yahoo.com 019-4704 800 BERTAM Asrol Sani Bin Abdul Razak asrolsani2006@gmail.com PINANG TUNGGAL Muhasdey Muhamad hadiputra78@yahoo.com PERMATANG BERANGAN Arshad Bin Md Salleh arshad.salleh@yahoo.com SUNGAI DUA Zahadi Mohd zahadi55@yahoo.com TELOK AIR TAWAR Salehin Mohamed pjd_403@ymail.com SEBERANG JAYA Abdul Jalil Che Ros abjteguh@gmail.com SUNGAI ACHEH Hj Mohd Kamil Bin Abu Bakar hjwanday@yahoo.com BAYAN LEPAS Asnah Binti Hashim asnah_45@streamyx.com PULAU BETONG Hj Mohd Tuah Bin Ismail tuahismail@yahoo.com TELUK BAHANG Halil Sabri Hamid halilsabri.hamid@gmail.com No Tel/ No Faks (T) 04 - 575 6577 (F) 04 - 575 8578 (T) 013 - 580 6981 (T) 019-437 2887 (T) 019 - 510 2633 (T) 019 - 507 3828 (T) 017- 427 1581 (T) 04 - 390 5109 013 - 489 3227 (F) 04 - 538 1460 (T) 012 - 4735774 (F) 04 - 582 7648 (T) 019 - 472 6956 04 - 6588152 (T) 019 - 570 9500 (F) 04 - 866 8618 (T) 016-400 6462

(T) 04 - 593 3100 (F) 04 - 593 9529

Talian Kecemasan & Perkhidmatan Awam

POLIS & AMBULANS BOMBA DIREKTORI TELEFON OPERATOR ANTARABANGSA PENYELAMAT 999 994 103 101 991 JPJ JABATAN PENDAFTARAN 04-656 4131 04-398 8809 04-226 5161

BIRO PENGADUAN AWAM 04-263 6893 SEKRETARIAT KERAJAAN 04-262 1957 NEGERI KASTAM 04-262 2300 IMIGRESEN 04-250 3419 INFORMASI PENERANGAN 04-643 0373 WCC (Womens Centre for Change) 04-228 0342 Pusat Perkhidmatan Wanita (Seberang)04-397 1058 EPF 04-226 1000 SOCSO 04-238 9888

PUSAT INFO PELANCONG 04-261 4461 KERETAPI BUKIT BENDERA 04-828 8880 FERI (GEORGETOWN) 04-210 2363 ( BUTTERWORTH) 04-310 2377 JAMBATAN PP 04-398 7419 STESEN KERETAPI BUTTERWORTH 04-261 0290 PERSATUAN PERUNDUNGAN KANAK-KANAK CAP JABATAN BURUH PERPUSTAKAAN PP 04-829 4046 04-829 9511 04-262 5536 04-229 8555

PROGRAM PENGHARGAAN WARGA EMAS/OKU/IBU TUNGGAL/ PROGRAM ANAK EMAS/ PROGRAM RAKAN ANTI KEMISKINAN/ PROGRAM PELAJAR EMAS
N1 Penaga N2 Bertam : 019 - 470 4800 - Rosidi Hussain : 012 - 348 5275 - Ab. Halim Hamid : 019 - 437 2887 - Muhasdey N22 Tanjong Bungah N23 Air Putih : 012 - 513 6761 - Fernie : 04 - 829 0614 - Chiam Heng Hock - Nancy Lim

N3 Pinang Tunggal N4 Permatang : 019 - 510 2633 Berangan N5 Sungai Dua : 019 - 507 3828 N6 Telok Air : 017 - 427 1581 Tawar N7 Sungai Puyu : 012 - 528 8411 N8 Bagan : 013 - 449 0366 Jermal N9 Bagan Dalam : 016 - 473 1963 N10 Seberang : 013 - 489 3227 Jaya N11 Permatang : 019 - 412 8442 Pasir N12 Penanti : 04 - 522 1463 N13 Berapit N14 Machang Bubuk N15 Padang Lalang N16 Perai : 019 - 481 7823 : 019 - 546 3257 : 04 - 502 5071 : 012 - 339 3479

N17 Bukit Tengah : 017 - 467 7668 N18 Bukit Tambun: 012 - 493 3342 N19 Jawi : 017 - 408 4784 N20 Sungai Bakap N21 Sungai Acheh : 012 - 415 2905 : 012 - 473 5774

N24 Kebun : 04 - 829 3691 Bunga N25 Pulau Tikus : 012 - 488 3227 - Joe - Arshad N26 Padang Kota : 012 - 431 7015 - Johnny Md. Salleh Chee - Zahadi Mohd N27 Pengkalan : 012 - 437 1522 - Wang Lai Kin - Salehin Kota Mohamed N28 KOMTAR : 012 - 412 6284 - Adreena - Ng Ya Ling N29 Datok : 012 - 410 6566 - A. T. Ong - Yeap Choon Keramat Keong N30 Sungai : 010 - 464 3308 - Anna - Gesan Pinang - Abdul Jalil N31 Batu : 04 - 282 6419 - Ooi Gaik Che Ros Lancang Heoh - Kamal N32 Seri Delima : 012 - 486 2552 - Mr. Lingam N33 Air Itam : 012 - 493 3648 - Teh Choong - Suhaimi Bin Kong Mansor N34 Paya : 012 - 484 1963 - Toon Hoon - Ong Kee Seong Lee Terubong - Rynu N35 Batu Uban : 017 - 541 3017 - Pamela Shalini - Ooi Zhen 014 - 743 4077 - Akmal Komal Chee N36 Pantai : 019 - 443 2088 - Victor - Pn. Jerejak Rajaletchumi N37 Batu Maung : 013 - 510 1968 - Latifah - Lim Tuan Chun N38 Bayan Lepas : 019 - 472 6956 - Asnah Bt - Cheng Kok Eong Hashim - Abdul Halim N39 Pulau : 019 - 570 9500 - Hj Md Tuah Yunus Betong Ismail - Munir Bin N40 Telok : 016 - 400 6462 - Halil Sabri Makhtar Bahang - Hj M. Kamil A.Bakar

Competency

Accountability

Transparency

201211

AES -
2013 2013 Agenda Ekonomi SaksamaAES (AES)(AES) AESAES 1. 2013 36339 1. SMART Centre 12948120126 1. 827 20153 2. 610 1. 5080 RFP 2. 4160 1. BEST 201293 184800 CAT Bus5 2. 81 1. 2011 2012ECA 2. 3. CAT 3020131 CAT 20135 1. 2009500 600 2. 600770 3. 770 770 2000 4. 20136000 1. 55 200 11800 44929 3116 46000 2. 5000 3. 2013 1246 1. 2013767 100 752000 500 1. 201111 (PWDC) 2. 2013230 150

201211

2PLB Terang2077

PLB Terang20131

PLB Terang 20 20 3 PLB

Terang7 20 3695 4389 26589792 3

my Penang | unforgettable

10 days
3 festivals
23 Nov - 2 Dec 2012

42.4% 203 1031 PLB Terang PLB Terang

31 MRF 5% 20% 25% 50%

MRF 20% 20 20 PLBTerang

all in Penang

3533
2011 33 1994 105000 201421

George Town Literary Festival

www.gtlfestival.blogspot.com

Tourist Information Centre

T/ +604 263 1166

E/ info@penangglobaltourism.com

201211

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201211

70%90% 5000 116 50% 90107030 90% 70%10% 30% 10%30% 10%30% 90%70% 10%30% 2013 5000 42 5

TINE NorwayTrapia Jordan Jotun 111 60 R.

13

201211

410 IJM 400 6 4 23 20 254.5 325.4 10 3 2 U- E-Gate U-660 40023 E-Gate 3.5 1027 3 34 U-

2010

400 64002 310

9
SENARAI NAMA AHLI MAJLIS MPSP 2011 (1 JAN. 2012 - 31 DIS. 2012)
Nama En. Sim Chee Keong (DAP) stevensim@mpsp.gov.my En. Teoh Seang Hooi (DAP) shteow@mpsp.gov.my En. Soon Lip Chee (DAP) lcsoon@mpsp.gov.my En. Visvanathan a/l Kumaran (DAP) visvanathan@mpsp.gov.my Cik Tan Xin Ying (DAP) En. Mohd Shaipol Bin Ismail (DAP) En. Guanalan a/l Sengalaney (DAP) En. Chandrasekeran a/l S. Maniam (DAP) chanderasekeran@mpsp. gov.my En. Mohamad Zainudin bin Othman (PKR) mohamadzainudin@mpsp. gov.my En. Ahmad Farid bin Md. Arshad (PKR) ahmadfarid@mpsp.gov.my En. Johari bin Kassim (PKR) johari@mpsp.gov.my Abdul Latif bin Abdullah (PKR) abdul_latif@mpsp.gov.my En. Lim Eng Nam (PKR) peterlim@mpsp.gov.my Puan Kusala Kumari @ Rynu a/p A. Shanmugam (PKR) kusala@mpsp.gov.my En. Amir bin Md. Ghazali (PKR) amir@mpsp.gov.my En. Ahmad Kaswan bin Kassim (PAS) ahmadkaswan@mpsp.gov. my En. Lim Tau Hoong (NGO) thlim@mpsp.gov.my Dr. Tiun Ling Ta (NGO) lttiun@mpsp.gov.my En. Ahmad Tarmizi Bin Abdullah (NGO) En. Loh Joo Huat (DAP) jhloh@mpsp.gov.my En. Ong Koon Liak (DAP) klong@mpsp.gov.my Puan Sarina binti Hashim (PKR) sarina@mpsp.gov.my En. Md Jamil Bin Abd Rahman PAS) mdjamil@mpsp.gov.my Telefon 012-590 75 07 019-412 99 96 04-594 1231 012-4290 163 012-477 6468 04-398 3242 (Tel) 04-502 1667 (Fax) 016 - 553 1987

SENARAI NAMA AHLI MAJLIS MPPP 2011 (1 JAN. 2012 - 31 DIS. 2012)
Nama Zulkifli bin Mohd. Noor (DAP) Harvindar a/l Darshan Singh (DAP) Tay Leong Seng (DAP) Lim Siew Khim (DAP) Lim Cheng Hoe (DAP) Tan Hun Wooi (DAP) En. Ong Ah Teong (DAP) Ooi Keat Hin (PKR) Francis a/l Joseph (PKR) Cik Ramlah Bee Binti Asiahoo (PKR) En. Mohamed Yusoff Bin Mohamed Noor (PAS) Encik Iszuree Bin Ibrahim (PAS) Sr. Mohd. Zahry bin Shaikh Abdul Rahim (NGO) Encik Teh Lai Heng (DAP) Telefon 012 - 483 0878 012 - 42822 50 019 - 321 9392 016 - 531 6026 016 - 438 4809 012 - 488 0409 012 - 410 6566 016 - 417 1331 012 - 474 3321 016 - 422 2142 04 - 657 7464 (Tel) 012 - 472 8114 016 - 443 3205 012 - 472 6725 016 - 445 9808 016 - 457 1271 012 - 412 2558

Kalendar Pelancongan Pulau Pinang Nov 2012

13hb November Deepavali Little Indian 9pg - 11mlm 18hb November Allianz Penang Bridge International Marathon 2012 Queensbay, Penang & Jambatan Pulau Pinang 2pg - 10pg

012 - 571 2250

013 - 485 3128

012-5619870

013-45 47 009

Encik Gooi Seong Kin (DAP) Encik Prem Anand a/l Loganathan (DAP) Encik Tan Seng Keat (PKR) Tuan Haji Mohd Rashid Bin Hasnon (PKR) Muhammad Sabri Bin Md Osman (PKR) Mohd Taufik Bin sulong (PKR) Tahir Jalaluddin Bin Hussain (NGO) Dr. Lim Mah Hui (NGO)

019-540 9396 04-3979796 (Fax) 019-449 1450 019-560 57 55

012 - 438 6191 019 - 456 0077

013 - 432 0207

016-411 44 00 04-588 0818 (Tel) 04-588 0885 (Fax) 019-54 63 257

012 - 438 0873 012 - 463 5959 012 - 422 1880 016 - 422 2255 016 - 470 7089

013-584 8386 04 - 521 1987 (Fax) 019- 408 4899

Encik Sin Kok Siang (NGO) Ng Chek Siang (PKR) perisaihebat@gmail.com

BULETIN MUTIARA
Tingkat 47, Komtar, 10503 Penang Phone : 04-650 5468 Fax : 04-261 5923 Email: suaracat@gmail.com EDITORIAL Editor Chan Lilian (English) Tam Poh Guek (Chinese) D.Bhavaneswari (Tamil) Assistant Editors : Albert Benedict Manikam (Proof Reader) Writer Danny Ooi (English) Shum Jian Wei (Chinese) P.Parameswari (Tamil) Photographers : Chan Lilian, Law Suun Ting, Mohd. Hafiz Tajudin and Alissala Thian Graphic Designers : Loo Mei Fern, Idzham Ahmad

Buletin Mutiara boleh diperoleh di :

Pejabat-pejabat ADUN Pejabat-pejabat Kerajaan Negeri Pejabat-pejabat PBA Bukit Bendera Pasaraya-pasaraya sekitar Pulau Pinang Hospital-hospital Kerajaan dan Swasta Pejabat-pejabat NGO Edaran rumah ke rumah

019-446 35 51

013-430 2096 04-508 0039 (Tel) 04-657 0918 (Fax) 013 - 414 4822

Jenis Iklan
Satu Muka Surat Separuh Muka Surat (melintang) Separuh Muka Surat (menegak)

Saiz
25sm(w) x 32sm(h) 25sm(w) x 16m(h)

Kos (sebulan,RM)
15,000 (*) 7,500 (*)

012-4221133

012-4277868 04-530 0363 (Tel) 04-538 6950 (Fax) 013-50 00 155

12.5sm(w) x 32m(h)

7,500 (*)

019-4490007

Shawal Ahmad: 04 - 650 5550, 04 - 650 5256, 012 - 424 9004 shawal@penang.gov.my atau shawal9004@gmail.com

Bagi Maklumat Lanjut, Sila Hubungi :

10

my Penang | unforgettable

10 days
3 festivals
23 Nov - 2 Dec 2012

all in Penang

George Town Literary Festival

www.gtlfestival.blogspot.com

Tourist Information Centre

T/ +604 263 1166

E/ info@penangglobaltourism.com

Story & Pix by Chan Lilian

MARK Nov 25 on your calendar for a day of fun at the beach with the whole family as the Penang Beach Carnival is back for the fourth year. Supported by exco member Lydia Ong, this successful annual event has attracted tens of thousands of Penangites and tourists. The whole stretch of beaches along the Golden Sands Resort in Batu Feringghi will be the playground for various sports, games, cultural shows, children colouring contests and more. A Penang Beach Run will start at 7am and the other activities will last till 10pm. To ensure that the beaches are clean to welcome visitors, Golden Sands Resort, Lone Pine Hotel, Rasa Sayang Resort, the Penang Island Municipal Council (MPPP) and other organisations held a "gotong royong" on Nov Ong in a group photo with the participants of the Penang Beach Carnival 'gotong royong'. 10.

Penang Beach Carnival

11

Malaysian Eurasian Games

Double durian season

(Front row) Jeanne and Bishop Sebastian Francis being welcomed by Penang Eurasian Association president and organising chairman Aloysius Gasper.

THREE hundred Eurasians from six states in Malaysia and Singapore gathered in Penang for the historical first Malaysian Eurasian Games on Nov 10 and at the College-General in Tanjung Bungah. The Eurasian community, just like my Sikh community, may be small in numbers but together we have greatly contributed to our country, said Jagdeep Singh Deo, assemblymember for Datuk Keramat, who represented the Penang State government at the opening of the games. The Eurasian community has made tremendous progress and have distinguished themselves in various areas and contributed considerably to the history and development of Malaysia. Bishop Sebastian Francis of the Roman Catholic church, who graced the occasion, congratulated the Penang Eurasian Association for organising the games and said: Make

use of this opportunity to promote a healthy lifestyle which is the basis for growth and development in many other areas. Also present at the opening was Tun Jeanne Abdullah, wife of former Prime Minister Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.

Law and Halim giving the thumbs-up to Balik Pulau durians.

Front row) Jagdeep Singh Deo, Jeanne Abdullah and Bishop Sebastian Francis at the field in College-General after the launch of the games.

IT is a rare occurrence that durians in Balik Pulau fruit twice in a year. According to the orchard owners, this only happens once every 12 years. One of the orchard owners, James, said: It is tourists and Penangites good luck to be able to enjoy durians in November/December after the main durian season which was in April/May. Exco member Law Choo Kiang, who invited the press to a Durian Fest at the Anjung Indah in Balik Pulau, said: It is a coincidence that this second durian season falls during the year-end school holidays. Therefore, the plantation owners here will be able to get a better income. My portfolio

under the Agricultural, Agro-based Industry committee is helping to promote the durian season to tourists and visitors to Penang too. Penang state legislative speaker Datuk Abdul Halim Hussain, who joined Law at the Durian Fest, shared whats so special about Penangs famous Balik Pulau durians. I love Balik Pulau durians because it has that saltish flavour not found in durians from other parts of Penang. Maybe this is because Balik Pulau is surrounded by the sea. The durians here are more creamy, sweeter, a bit of bittersweet and lemak. My two favourites are ang hair and horlor.

Call to stop raising non-issues concerning Taman Manggis

Story by Danny Ooi

12

CHIEF Minister Lim Guan Eng has hit back at the state Barisan Nasional for raising non-issues in the sale of Taman Manggis land. In delaying the full payment of RM22,183,227, I'm now unsure if Barisan is sincere in acquiring the land. Why are they questioning if the state has returned the 5 per cent payment made by Kuala Lumpur International Dental Care (KLIDC) Sdn Bhd which won the tender at RM11 mil for the land, he asked. Lim went on to say that the state had the right to hold on to the ownership of the land as KLIDC had yet to obtain the licence from the Health Ministry to operate a hospital. Barisan should not be too concerned about getting the sale and purchase agreement as the land belongs to the state. They should not be making an issue about the state government receiving money from two sides as the money paid will be returned accordingly, he added. The important thing is Barisan should pay up if it wants to acquire the land for people's housing programme flats (PPR), he told a press conference held aside from the state assembly seat-

ing on Nov 6. On Barisan's claim that the state government could just turn around and say that this type of structure could not be built, Lim said the state would not make things difficuilt for BN to build PPR flats after it bought the land. In the latest development, the Barisan Nasional has been given another 30 days to take up an offer by the state government to buy the Taman Manggis land. Lim's political secretary Ng Wei Aik said the deadline for the state Barisan Nasional to pay in full the balance price of the 0.4ha piece of land amounting to RM22,183,227 has lapsed. He said the state government Political secretary to the Chief Minister who is also assemblymember for Komtar, decided to extend the deadline to Ng Wei Aik at a press conference with Teh Yee Cheu, assemblymember for Tanjung Dec 4, so it would not be accused Bungah and RSN Rayer, assemblymember for Seri Delima. of giving state BN insufficient panies Commission of Malaysia (SSM) It is registered with SSM as no land time to make the payment. Ng also stressed that the extension showed that KLIDC had charged the title is issued yet. That is why the came with several conditions, including land to be mortgaged for RM11,494 on mortage was not registered with the land office. appointing state Barisan leaders as di- Nov 21 last year. On this matter, Ng reiterated that the It was also given based on the comrectors and shareholders in Taman Manggis Phase Two Development Sdn state had not issued the land title to any pany's integrity, he said. company or party. Ng, who is also Komtar assemblyBhd. The charge by KLIDC was on a member, said the Barisan youth chief Meanwhile, state Barisan Youth chief Oh Tong Keong was recently reported debenture basis where no physical asset did not understand the meaning of debenture. to have said that a check with the Com- was involved.

Nightmare over for motorists using Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu Expressway

Story by Danny Ooi

THE nightmare is finally over for the thousands of motorists who have been suffering daily in traffic jams along the Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu Expressway. The two new lanes of the expressway the U-turn (at Persimpangan Bertingkat Gelugor) and the awning of the pedestrian bridge (near the Batu Uban marine police base) have been opened to the public since Oct. 26. Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng, who officially launched the new lanes, said the road expansion and upgrade had resolved a 10-year traffic congestion problem causing a 2km traffic bottleneck when traffic from both the Lebuhraya Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu and Penang Bridge converges from three lanes to two. As part of the road widening works, the previous 25m long pedestrian bridge with 4.5m height clearance has been demolished and replaced with a new 32m long pedes-

trian bridge with 5.4m height clearance. The U-Turn provides shorther travel distance for those travelling from George Town towards Tesco, E-Gate and also Green Lane. Travelling distance will be shortened by 3.5km as road users did not have to travel further to make a U-Turn at Bayan Mutiara Interchange. This corporate social responsibility (CSR) project undertaken by IJM Land to ease traffic congestion heading towards the Bayan Lepas industrial area is timely and very much appreciated, he said. Lim said this project will benefit more than 200,000 employees working in the Bayan Lepas Industrial Area. Meanwhile, Penang Public Works, Utilities and Transportation Committee chairman Lim Hock Seng, who was also present, said the traffic congestion faced by motorists from the Penang Bridge to Bayan Lepas was now over. The expansion and upgrading work on the 400m stretch of the expressway began

The U-turn provides a shorter distance of 3.5KM as road users do not have to travel further to make a U-turn at the Bayan Mutiara interchange.

in January this year and was initially scheduled for completion in September. The project, which cost RM4mil, is aimed at removing a bottleneck on the road near the marine police base which occurs when the expressway is reduced from three

lanes to two lanes on each side. Accompanying CM Lim and Hock Seng for the launching were IJM Land's Northern Region general manager Toh Chin Leong and its corporate communication executive, Vivien Lim.

Penang-German Society marks Oktoberfest

Story by Danny Ooi

13

THE 40th Oktoberfest, one of the most celebrated festival worldwide, was celebrated with much gaiety at the MalaysianGerman Societys (MGS) grounds in Jalan Air Itam on Oct 27. Hundreds of people joined the festival which started at 7pm with the marching in of the Reissner Band, serenading guests with favourite tunes from Germany. The other highlights of the night included beer-drinking contest for men and women, stein (1litre beer mug) carrying contest for ladies and armwrestling contest for men. Among the VIPs present were Chief Minister Lim Guan

HwangIM targets RM1 billion assets

Story by Danny Ooi

Eng, his wife Betty Chew, Ambassador of Germany to Malaysia, Dr G. Gruber, MalaysianGerman Society president, Karl Ebinger, Honorary Consul of Germany, Datuk Herbert Weiler and Alliance Francaise de Penang vice-president, Aldina Cronbrugge. When officiating the function, Lim said this years Oktoberfest was the second consecutive year MGS decided to organise it for two nights in a row. The festival was initiated in 1973 to celebrate a traditional festival among members of the German community who were working in the various companies in Penang. It provided an opportunity for them to get together and

also to interact closely with their Malaysian friends. Even German ambassador Dr Guenter mentioned that Penang hosted the best Oktoberfest in Malaysia, he added. Lim said since the formation of the Malaysian-German Society in 1962, many achievements have been accomplished in promoting and fostering friendship, understanding and good relationships between the people of both countries. The societys efforts have improved relations between Malaysians and Germans through education, culture and social activities. Oktoberfest is one of the many functions which have helped to link up both countries, Lim added. He said Malaysians share

Honorary Consul of Germany Datuk Herbert Weiler (right), Ambassador of Germany Dr G. Gruber (third from right) joining Lim (second from right), his wife Betty Chew (fourth from right) and other guests for a group photograph.

many common traits and values with Germans in working hard and being hospitable. We admire the culture of excellence and integrity amongst Germans and hope that

Proud day for Ramakrishna children

this close interaction will be of mutual benefit and help improve people-to-people links between Penang and the German expatriate community here, Lim added.

HWANG Investment Management Berhad (HwangIM) is tragetting to raise its assets in Penang to RM1 billion by 2014. Chief executive officer Teng Chee Wai said although the economy is down, there are still many high net-worth individuals in the northern region who have the disposal income seeking sound investments. Products that would help Guests enjoying themselves at the dinner. the Penang branch achieve the target include those related to unit trust, initial pubWe hit all our targets by mid-year, gained eight lic offering, direct bonds and discretionary invest- awards, obtained several regional accolades for our ment portfolio, he said at the opening of HwangIMs strong investment performance and built our cliennew branch building in Tanjung Tokong on Oct 24 tele to about 8,500 direct accounts, Teng said. by Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng. Lim said the presence of a leading investment Teng said for the group, HwangIM aimed to management company on the island will certainly achieve RM20 billion assets by 2015. Presently the add to the diversity and vibrancy of the local finanassets of the Penang branch is estimated at RM600 cial scene. million. Healthy competition is the key in ensuring proThe Penang branch started with assets of about gress and development as no business can remain RM80 million in 2010, he said. stagnant and complacent if they want to succeed, Teng added that the new branch would undertake he added. wealth management activities that were not offered He said HwangIMs presence in Penang will also by the previous set-up. create greater career opportunities for aspiring indiHwangIMs previous branch was located at viduals and support Penangs drive to boost its serGreen Hall Road. vices sector and promote the state as an attractive This year is expected to be another year of investment destination with a high quality and intelachievement for HwangIM. ligent workforce.

The children decked in traditional Indian costumes singing in the choir to entertain parents and guests at the kindergarten graduation ceremony.

Story by Chan Lilian, Pix by Law Suun Ting

SEVENTY children from the Tadika Ramakrishna walked tall in their robes and mortarboard to receive their graduation scrolls from Datuk Keramat state assemblymember Jagdeep Singh Deo on Nov 3 at the Ramakrishna Ashrama. The building along Scotland Road houses an orphanage, kindergarten and both primary and secondary Tamil schools. It is a an annual event and I

join them every year at the graduation ceremony. I have also allocated RM5,000 from my constituency funds for Tadika Ramakrishna to repair the leaking ceiling and other defects, Jagdeep said. I am very supportive of the orphanage as these orphans can go astray if they dont have a proper place to turn to. So I support Ramakrishnas cause and at year end, I give out free school uniforms to the children, especially the orphans, he added.

Traders urged to stop using polystyrene utensils, packaging

Story by Danny Ooi

14

SEBERANG Prai Municipal Council (MPSP) president Maimunah Mohd Sharif said the 6,000 night market traders in the municipality risk having their licences revoked if they are caught using polystyrene utensils and packaging after Dec 1. They would initially be given warnings, failing which they would be slapped with compounds of RM250 per offence, she said. We will revoke their licences as a last resort, if they still continue to use polystyrene materials to serve food and drinks at their stalls. Our action follows the state governments statewide ban on the usage of polystyrene utensils and packaging in all restaurants, hawker centres, food courts and markets effective Dec 1, she

Maimunah (fourth from left) posing with winners of the departmental website designing competition for a group photograph.

Flood mitigation project to take priority

Story by Danny Ooi

said after chairing a full board council meeting recently. Maimunah said the council had since Oct 18 started distributing necessary pamphlets to advise pasar malam traders on the

new ruling, which covered all 60 night markets on the mainland. She said the council had also included necessary reminders in the traders licence renewal notices.

We have successfully convinced those trading in all 63 council-run hawker centres and markets in Seberang Prai not to use polystyrene packaging and utensils since the states cam-

paign against polystyrene started in 2009. Our next target is the pasar malam traders, many of whom are still found to be using polystyrene utensils, she added.

RESIDENTS of Datuk Keramat are still being haunted by the aftermath of the massive floods that hit their homes from June to August this year. Datuk Keramat assemblymember Jagdeep Singh Deo said since the Pakatan Rakyat Government came into power in Penang, the flood problem has been minimised over the last two years, in comparison to the previous government which failed to address the problem for more than 40 years. Despite this, he has vowed to quickens the Flood Migitation Project Phase 2 (which covers Sungai Pinang Toyota to Dhoby Ghaut) to prevent the recurrence of the Datuk Keramat incident. The excessive amount of rainfall compounded by the high tide phenomenon during the June to August period caused Sungai Pinang to overflow onto the surrounding villages. The water from the Air Itam Dam was also released to avoid

breakage, he told Buletin Mutiara during his visit to Kampung Kebun Lama in Datuk Keramat on Oct. 24. The Flood Mitigation Project Phase 2, which involve the relocation of 223 residents, should be carried out as soon as possible. Some 70 to 80 per cent of those affected have agreed to the plan to give way to the widening of Sungai Pinang and its tributaries that flow into the river, he said. Also present during Jagdeeps visit was Village Community Development chairman, Izwan Nizam Abdul. Izwan said the flood during the recent Hari Raya Puasa submerged 17 houses in the area. He also highlighted the importance of the Flood Mitigation Project Phase 2 to be completed soon to allow the continuation of Phase 3, which is expected to start next year. For the preparation to face the monsoon season this year (October till December), the project to deepen Sungai Pinang is in progress, he added.

Datuk Keramat assemblymember Jadgeep Singh Deo (fourth from right) discussing the Sungai Pinang problem with Village Development chairman Izwan Nizam Abdul (fifth from right).

Co-operation from various departments like police, Fire Brigade and Civil Defence is welcomed to face any eventuality

during this period. He said the Drainage and Irrigation Department (JPS) and Penang Island Municipal Council

(MPPP) had also agreed to clear Sungai Pinang of debris from a monthly basis to once every two weeks.

REHDA warns of escalating costs

Story by Chan Lilian, Pix by Alissala Thian

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THE Real Esate and Housing Developers Association Malaysia (REHDA) 38th annual dinner on Oct 31 at the G-Hotel saw the biggest ever turnout for REHDA with some 900 members and industry stakeholders attending the event. REHDA Penang chairman Datuk Jerry Chan delivered a bold and stark reminder on what lies ahead for the property industry in Penang. He warned that electricity charges will double from 2016 as a report in the media said that TNBs deal with the independent power producers (IPPs) will be around 36 sen/ kWh while current rates are between 15-17 sen/kWh. He appealed to the government to expedite the approval process. He said: Inflation will zoom up. Costs will skyrocket. Building costs will escalate. We hope to get approval early so that we can build affordable units before 2016. He also voiced REHDAs concerns on the role of NGOs in relation to the protests which halted some of their projects. We want to be very clear that the elected representatives have the mandate of the people. Not the NGOs, NGI or people who cham-

RM200m saved in solid waste management contract

Story by Danny Ooi

pion their personal causes. Please fulfil the needs of the public, i.e. to build more houses to cater to the demands. Not the selected individuals. Many people criticise but rarely do they offer solutions. They want buildings to stop or slow down, but since they are the ones with houses already, do they care about those who have yet to own a unit? He pointed out: The fact is the population in Penang is projected to be two million in 2020 and therefore, demand is still strong, FDI, employment and tourism are growing and this means that there is still sustained demand for housing in Penang. He ended his speech with a brave call to REHDA members. We urge developers not to support sectors who criticise us. Dont let them humilate us. Dont support any sector which hits out at us! He labelled it as hypocrisy when certain media reported that the hills are dying in Penang in an attempt to halt development and yet, at the same time, the same organisation held property fairs and earned money from the developers. Meanwhile Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng reminded the developers: Firstly, let me just

The cake cutting ceremony to mark REHDAs 38th anniversary.

state that while I understand the need on the part of developers for certainty of approvals, I am sure developers would support my call to have a more balanced, sustainable and green development for Penang. Secondly, Lim added: We will pledge to be a people-centric government that governs according to CAT principles. It will be equitable, ethical and compassionate. That is why the state govern-

ment is focussed on building affordable housing even though it is not the Penang states but the Federal governments responsibility. In openly acknowledging that property prices are rising, the state government has launched a RM500 million fund to build a massive affordable housing project of 18,000 units over the next five years. This RM500 million state

fund is historic because it is the Federal governments responsibility to build affordable housing, Lim said. Since 2008, Penang has built 4,000 units of low-cost housing through Penang Development Corporation. The private sector has already built 8,000 low cost units in the past five years and they are expected to build another 20,000 units in future.

Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said when the contract with the previous solid waste management concessionaire expired in July 2009, the state government renegotiated the terms for the new contract which ended in July this year. The Penangs governments open tender policy will save the state some RM200 million from its solid waste management over the next 20 years. The state government had successfully reduced the two local councils solid waste management costs by 42.4 per cent in three years through the renegotiation process. This amounts to total savings of RM33.5 million for the Penang Island Municipal Council (MPPP) and Seberang Prai Municipal Council (MPSP). That agreement has expired and now we have a new contract, he said after witnessing the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signing between PLB Terang Sdn Bhd and representatives from the two local councils at the Traders Hotel in George Town on Oct

31. Present were PLB Terang Sdn Bhd executive deputy chairman Tengku Naizatul Shima Tengku Abdul Murad Shah Al-Haj and its chief operating officer Syamshuar Husin. Lim said the old agreement, negotiated in 2001 when things were much cheaper, would have been worth RM528 million over a period of 20 years as opposed to only RM300 million under the new contract. Meanwhile, exco for Local Government and Traffic Management Committee Chow Kon Yeow, when asked if Penang has any plans for an incinerator, said it was for the future government to decide. The master plan for solid waste management can meet the challenges of the next 20 to 40 years, thus the state exco will have to decide then, he added. In September this year, it was reported that PLB Groups subsidiary company, PLB Terang Sdn Bhd, was awarded a 20year concession contract to operate and manage the Pulau Burung sanitary landfill in Nibong Tebal.

MPSPpresident Maimunah Mohd Sharif (fourth from left) handing over a souvenir plaque to Tengku Naizatul Shima.

This Penang-based company, which beat 13 other contenders in an open tender process, began operations in July. Chow went on to say that PLB Terang Sdn Bhd would invest over RM100 million to build a material

recovery facility to separate recyclables from solid waste sent there, a leachate treatment plant, a third phase cell to deposit waste in addition to required research and development work.

16

Rifle Range residents get Deepavali cheers from their assemblymember Jason Ong. Ong, who was at the Penang state assembly, was represented by his personal assistant, Enson Neoh, who handed food hampers to the people in Rifle Range. Assemblymember for Padang Kota Chow Kon Yeow visiting Little India before Deepavali to meet and greet shoppers there and also to distribute recycleable shopping bags.

Assemblymember for Air Itam Wong Hon Wai visiting the Sri Ambagarathur Pathrakaliamma Temple in Kampung Bahru, Air Itam to distribute Deepavali hampers to the people.

Deputy Chief Minister I Datuk Mansor Othman serving food to a little boy at the Deepavali Open House in Penanti where Mansor is the assemblymember.

Assemblymember for Paya Terubong Yeoh Soon Hin lighting the oil lamp to celebrate Deepavali in his constituency.

Guests helping themselves to the buffet spread at the Deepavali Open House.